(Frisco) Rico Dowdle became the Cowboys’ No. 1 running back, a status he reached slowly, if methodically.
For wide receiver Jalen Tolbert, an expanded role emerged when Brandin Cooks suffered a knee injury.
Here are two new names in an attack that should shine given the injuries in defense, on the Dallas side.
Victorious in their last two games, the Cowboys (3-2) turn to a home match against the Detroit Lions (3-1), also undefeated in their last two meetings.
“ [À Pittsburgh]it all started with Rico, said running back Ezekiel Elliott, the NFL leader in rushing yards in 2016 and 2018. The way he ran in the second half, it transported us. We then completed the job. »
Dowdle caught a 22-yard touchdown pass early in the final quarter Sunday against the Steelers.
The Steelers regained the lead, but in the final minute, Dak Prescott connected with Tolbert on a four-yard touchdown run.
PHOTO ADAM HUNGER, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
Jalen Tolbert
Undrafted, but playing in his fifth season, Dowdle set career highs with 20 carries and 87 rushing yards.
Now in the shadows, Elliott has 20 total carries in his last four games.
Tolbert was a third-round pick in 2022, but he played very little that year. He has already rewritten his personal mark twice in 2024, notably with 87 catching yards against the Steelers.
He has two touchdown passes this season, matching his combined haul from 2022 and 2023.
Prescott and CeeDee Lamb have yet to regain their sync, after the receiver missed camp due to a contract dispute.
When Prescott was intercepted near the Steelers’ end zone, Lamb ran too long on a play where he needed to stop. It’s unclear what he said to Prescott on the bench afterward, but the quarterback remained unmoved.
Prescott led a 23e victorious push; he is fifth in the NFL at this level since arriving in the NFL in 2016.
He had two interceptions and a fumble, but he didn’t let that affect him.
“The ability to maintain composure is one of his great strengths,” said coach Mike McCarthy. He doesn’t dwell on his mistakes. He didn’t falter once during that match. »